01 The importance of breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It follows the longest period of time you would normally go without eating - after several hours of sleep - and its name means to end a period of fasting, or not eating. Follow the advice here to get the most out of this essential meal.

WHY EAT BREAKFAST ?
you would not consider starting a long journey in your car without filing it with fuel first. By the same token, you should not begin a day without giving your body the sustenance it requires. energy levels are low in the mornings, and your body needs an energy boost, in the form of food, to kick start the day.

In our busy modern lives, breakfast is often grabbed in passing as an afterghought or even skipped altogether. This is not wise, because eating a healthy, balanced breakfast can fave a really positive effect both physically and mentally.

THE BENEFITS OF BREAKFAST
 A number of studies have shown that eating breakfast regularly leads to improved mood and better memory. Breakfast eaters also tend to be less stressed and feel calmer. Adults perform better in mental tasks after eating breakfast, and children who eat breakfast perform better in school.

 

 

TOP BREAKFAST HINTS

• Aim to eat a breakfast that is high in carbohydrates and low in fat and sugar.

• Breakfast cereals are almost all fortified with minerals and vitamins, so along with low fat milk, these provide a nutritious, balanced meal.

• If you prefer toast in the mornings, there are lots of different types of bread to choose from, for example : granary; wholemeal; bagels; rye bread.
• If you enjoy a cooked breakfast, you can make these healthier too, by grilling instead of frying.
• For a light breakfast, opt for low fat yogurt with fresh or dried fruit.
•  Breakfast provides an ideal opportunity to count towards your five daily servings of fruit and vegetables. A glass of fruit juice provides a useful source of vitamin C, as does adding dried fruit to breakfast cereals.

Breakfast should ideally provide around one quarter of your daily nutritional requirements. Skipping breakfast, whether due to lack of time or trying to lose weight, can mean missing out on essential nutrients, and studies have shown that those who don't eat breakfast are unlikely to make up for these losses later in the day. This can have a negative effect on both short - and long-term health and can accelerate the ageing process.